CFCW REPORT: Runcorn Linnets 2-4 Chester

Chester made it six wins in a row and leapfrogged Runcorn Linnets into 2nd with an important victory at the Apec Taxis Stadium.

Rachel Lloyd’s hat-trick ensured it was another fantastic win on the road for the Blues, as they kept the pressure on unbeaten Wythenshawe at the top.

Lloyd had already gone close on five minutes, seeing her free-kick well saved, before converting the opener with a tidy finish just prior to the half hour mark.

The Blues lead, and Lloyd’s tally, was doubled just before the break with another precise finish – coming just moments after Ash Bullock had struck the crossbar.

Two became three just after half time – as Ellie Bradley was fouled inside the box. Top scorer Molly Wood stepped up and fired home into the corner.

Runcorn pulled one back just after the hour mark with an excellent free kick – before the win was sealed on 87 minutes when Lloyd converted for her treble.

Linnets pulled one back in stoppage time but it wasn’t enough to stop the Blues from marching on in the league.

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Chester: Foster, Sands, Randles (Riley 89), Adderley, Dowell, Locke, Bullock (Jones 74), Lloyd, Bradley (Halliwell 74), Redman, Wood (Morris 90+1).

Scorers: Lloyd 29, 40, 87, Wood (pen) 49. 

Photo by Luke Reynolds Photography.